My wife was the main influence for my becoming a teacher, but in a round-about way and over many years. She was involved, and got me involved, in every school-related activity all through our daughter's K-12 years. We volunteered for everything, and a few times created new activities. Her enthusiasm and energy were endless, and contagious. We of course got to know a lot of kids, and many of their parents as well. We were sorry when "our" high school years ended, and seriously wondered what we would do with all the free time.
Sadly, there were two big and unexpected changes; my wife died and I lost my job. I did not know what to do. A friend suggested that I try substitute teaching. Growing up, I had many good teachers, and I appreciated them, but had no interest in becoming a teacher, then or later. I worked most of my adult life as a computer programmer and did not know anything else, but I applied for substitute teaching and I found I really liked it. Of course, I already knew many of the teachers, and they were a great help to me as a new substitute. I can not thank them enough for their support and encouragement.
I then applied to a second town, to work more days and get wider experience. I now work as a substitute teacher in Middletown RI and Portsmouth RI, at elementary, middle, and high school levels. I found the work rewarding, but also found the nature of the short-term assignments frustrating. I felt that there was so much more I could do with a class over a longer time. Several week-long assignments (rather than the usual day-long) convinced me that this is true.
I decided to pursue it further, and enrolled in the Certificate Program at the School of Education at URI.
I am taking my last two classes this Fall, and planning to be the world's oldest student teacher next Spring.
Sadly, there were two big and unexpected changes; my wife died and I lost my job. I did not know what to do. A friend suggested that I try substitute teaching. Growing up, I had many good teachers, and I appreciated them, but had no interest in becoming a teacher, then or later. I worked most of my adult life as a computer programmer and did not know anything else, but I applied for substitute teaching and I found I really liked it. Of course, I already knew many of the teachers, and they were a great help to me as a new substitute. I can not thank them enough for their support and encouragement.
I then applied to a second town, to work more days and get wider experience. I now work as a substitute teacher in Middletown RI and Portsmouth RI, at elementary, middle, and high school levels. I found the work rewarding, but also found the nature of the short-term assignments frustrating. I felt that there was so much more I could do with a class over a longer time. Several week-long assignments (rather than the usual day-long) convinced me that this is true.
I decided to pursue it further, and enrolled in the Certificate Program at the School of Education at URI.
I am taking my last two classes this Fall, and planning to be the world's oldest student teacher next Spring.
And we're glad to have you, Morris! -